Building and Drainage

The Building and Drainage Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of various Provincial legislation and policies including the Ontario Building Code Act, Drainage Act and Planning Act as they apply to buildings, structures and their occupancy and drainage issues as well as numerous municipal by-laws such as the Building Control By-law, Zoning By-law, Nutrient Management By-law and fencing by-laws.

The main role of the Building and Drainage Department is to ensure that the building environment in which we live and work is safe and healthy. This is accomplished through the issuance of building and demolition permits, approval of nutrient management plans and by conducting inspections.

For any inquiries or comments about any services provided by the Building & Drainage department, please contact Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official/Drainage Superintendent at 519-485-2490 ext 224 or contact Mike by email.

Visit our Building Department information page.

Visit our Drainage Department information page.

Posting your building permit at the construction site

The Chief Building Official requires the builder to post the Building Permit in a window or other prominent place at the site and to keep a copy of the building plan on site.

Building inspections

There are inspections required for a project at each major phase of the construction to be conducted by the Building Inspector. The individual responsible for the project must request each inspection 2 business days in advance to the Building Inspector. The Inspector's duty is to ensure that the project is being carried out according to the Building Code, the Building Permit and the approved building plans.

The Inspector's duty is to ensure that the project is being carried out according to the Building Code, the Building Permit and the approved building plans. The individual responsible for the project must request each inspection 2 business days in advance to the Building Inspector. If the Building Official finds, upon inspection, that some work does not conform to the approved plans or code, he will be advised (possibly with written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is deemed serious enough, the Building Official may post a stop-work order which may be in effect until the problem is resolved. If work on the project continues without resolution of the problem, legal action may be taken against the builder.

Building Projects that do not require a Building Permit

The following home improvement projects do not require a building permit,

Please contact Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official at 519-485-2490 ext 224 to verify the zoning requirements and to arrange an appointment for the issuance of a building permit.

Swimming Pool Fences

Township Council passed By-law 23-08 to require and regulate the fencing of outdoor swimming pools. Please refer to the By-law for details or contact Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official at 519-485-2490 ext 224 or by email.

Ontario Power Authority - Feed-in Tariff Program

The Council of the Township of Zorra passed by-law 67-12 at a Council meeting on September 18, 2012. This by-law established a fee of $300.00 for Ontario Power Authority - Feed-In Tariff Application Council Support Request.